Professional Prototype & 3D Print Finishing Service UK | High-End, Bespoke Effects
50 Years of Expert Finishing. Transform Your 3D Prints & Prototypes into Realistic, Production-Ready Models.
3D Printed Part Finishing
At Malcolm Nicholls Ltd. (MNL), we elevate the function and aesthetics of your prototypes. Our team of skilled finishers, backed by over 50 years of expertise, offers a comprehensive suite of professional techniques from Soft-Touch Paint to genuine Real Chrome Plating to accurately represent your final product vision.
MNL’s Expert Finishing Services: From Concept to Retail Quality
We offer a wide range of professional techniques grouped by function, ensuring we achieve the precise look, feel, and performance required for your project.
High-End Metallic & Specialised Effects
These services are perfect for high-end automotive, luxury, and consumer electronics prototypes.
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Real Chrome Plating: Achieve a genuine, durable metallic look using traditional electroplating techniques for a truly premium, mirror-like finish.
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Chrome Plating Effect (Vacuum Metallising): A cost-effective process to achieve a brilliant, mirror-like chrome effect on 3D printed parts.
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Hydro-Dipping (Water Transfer Printing): Apply intricate, high-definition patterns (wood grain, carbon fibre, camouflage) seamlessly across complex prototype surfaces.
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Flocking: Enhance aesthetics and functionality with a soft, velvety flock finish for grips, interiors, or specialist applications.
Functional Finishing & Sealing
Crucial steps to make prototypes suitable for testing and end-use environments.
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Sealing of SLS for Water and Air Tightness: We treat porous SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) prints to create completely functional, sealed parts for fluid dynamic testing and weather resistance.
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Surface Preparation: Sanding, filling, and polishing to remove layer lines (especially on FDM and SLS parts) and achieve optimal surface smoothness for painting or plating.
Aesthetic & Tactile Finishes
Focus on the visual and touch characteristics to perfect the user experience.
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Custom Painting & Lacquering: High-quality, professional paint finishes, including Soft-Touch Paint for a luxurious feel, high-gloss, matte, and custom colour matching.
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Graphics & Branding Integration: Seamless application of detailed graphics and colours using Shrink-Wrap Coloured Graphics or precision Graphics/Colour Rub-Downs.
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When Is Finishing Needed? (By Technology)
While many 3D printing processes produce functional parts, finishing is often the step that transforms a prototype into a high-fidelity representation of the final product.
| 3D Printing Process                | Typical Finishing Need | MNL Solution Focus |
| FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) | Visible layer lines and rough texture. | Heavy sanding, filling, and painting for surface smoothing. |
| SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) | Rough, porous texture; needs sealing for fluids. | Vapour Smoothing, polishing, dyeing, and Airtight Sealing. |
| SLA (Stereolithography) | Good surface, but requires UV protection/high-gloss finish. | Clear coating, high-gloss polishing, and custom painting. |
| Vacuum Casting | Requires painting/texture application to mimic production materials. | Colour matching, soft-touch paint, and graphics integration. |
Factors to Consider: Desired Look and Feel, required Functionality (watertight/airtight), and the End-Use Application (visualisation vs. functional testing). Our team is on hand to discuss all finishing options.
Order Your 3D Printed Parts
Getting a quote for your 3D printing project has never been easier. We offer three straightforward options to meet your needs.
Option One – Perfect for those seeking a swift and hassle-free 3D printing quote.
Option Two – If your project requires more than just printing, option two is your go-to choice, where we can provide quotes for CNC machining, surface finishing, vacuum forming, and vacuum casting for your 3D parts.
Option Three – For large, complex, intricate, or multi-part projects, look no further than option three. Give us a call, and our team will be more than happy to assist you in bringing your vision to life.
At Malcolm Nicholls Ltd, we make quoting fast, easy, and simple.
Why Malcolm Nicholls?
UK Based
With headquarters in the Midlands, we can deliver your 3D parts nationally.
Years of Expertise
We are a family run business with decades of experience.
Finished to Perfection
A team of traditional model makers in house to give your 3D print the wow factor.
More Than Just 3D Printing
With our suite of machines and technology we also specialise in low-volume manufacturing, Vacuum Casting, CNC Machining and more.
Trusted by Industry Leaders
We have experience creating exceptional 3D printed parts for leaders across various industries. From automotive and aerospace to point of sale and packaging, we can help.
Which 3D Printing Service do I need?
Learn more about the different options we offer.
SLA
Stereolithography (SLA) also often referred to as SLA is the most widely used resin 3D printing technology. it is generally considered to provide the greatest accuracy and best surface finish of any prototyping or 3D printing process.
SLS
SLS can build functional parts, casting patterns and tooling inserts from your 3D CAD data. Our HiQ Sinterstation system (SLS 3D Printing machine) represents the future of Instant Manufacturing Technology.
FDM
Manufacturing FDM known as fused deposition modelling is the most widely available form of 3d printing. It is an additive manufacturing technology that selectively deposits molten plastic to build parts layer by layer.
Get in touch
Address
Waterloo Industrial Estate, Waterloo Cres, Bidford-on-Avon, B50 4JH
Call Us
01789 490382
Email Us
quotes@mnl.co.uk